NEWS RELEASE
GOVERNOR GRETCHEN WHITMER
**************************
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced five redevelopment projects have received funding to create 78 new housing units, generate a total capital investment of over $21.3 million, and add vibrancy in communities across the state.
The Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements. The supported projects will create mixed-use spaces and address housing shortages in Cheboygan, Lowell, Petoskey, Spring Lake, and Zeeland.
“Support for these projects underscores our commitment to our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy’s focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “The RAP program helps to create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for our Michigan communities. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.”
“On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience through the RAP program as part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy’s placemaking efforts,” said Michele Wildman, MEDC Chief Place Officer. “We look forward to seeing the impact these projects in Cheboygan, Lowell, Petoskey, Spring Lake, and Zeeland have on their communities and residents.”
Vacant building in Downtown Cheboygan to be converted into mixed-use space
A long-vacant, two-story building located at 400 N. Main Street in Cheboygan will be rehabilitated to create retail space on the first floor and two apartment units on the second floor, helping to build greater vibrancy throughout the city’s downtown.
A top priority for the city, the project is located across from Festival Square, the community hub for farmers markets and events. In February 2024, Cheboygan was among nine Michigan Main Street communities to receive a $25,000 grant for improvements for Festival Square.
This redevelopment is being supported by up to $279,000 in RAP grant funds and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $624,533. Upon completion, the building will have a new ADA-compliant restroom on the first floor, making the retail space more appealing to a future small business tenant. The addition of two residential units on the second floor will increase downtown density.
"Cheboygan’s downtown has always been the heartbeat of our community, and this RAP grant is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into it,” said state Representative Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “The revitalization of the building will not only enhance our local business scene but also create new housing, making our city more vibrant and welcoming. Projects like this are a testament to the strength and potential of Cheboygan, and I’m thrilled to see this investment in our community."
“The City of Cheboygan appreciates the Fleming’s commitment and the support from the MEDC in strengthening our community,” said City Manager Dan Sabolsky. “We look forward to continued partnerships that drive growth and innovation in Cheboygan.”
"We are grateful to the MEDC and the city of Cheboygan for their generous support through this grant,” said developers Brian and Wendy Fleming. “This funding is a vital step in helping us revitalize this building on Main Street, and we are excited to contribute to the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown Cheboygan. Together, we are strengthening our community and preserving the charm that makes Cheboygan such a special place."
Vacant and blighted building in Downtown Lowell to be redeveloped into mixed-use building, adding four residential units
A vacant and blighted property in Downtown Lowell will be rehabilitated into a mixed-used development with attainable residential units and first-floor commercial space, promoting walkability and connectivity to the community’s downtown.
The high priority project for the City of Lowell includes four residential units with on-site private parking and office/retail space on the first floor.
The project is being supported by up to $428,500 in RAP funding and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1,191,000. In January 2024, The Right Place received $17,500,000 in Strategic Site Readiness Program funds for the Covenant Business Park site in Lowell Township, which is expected to attract companies looking to expand in West Michigan and create further positive impact on the region.
Long-vacant blighted building in Downtown Petoskey to be redeveloped into workforce apartments
A functionally obsolete and blighted building in Petoskey will be redeveloped to create nine workforce apartments, helping to address a housing shortage in the city while rehabbing a long-vacant building near the central business district.
The building, which served as a hotel, hospital, and nursing home over the years, has been vacant since 2006 and has been a top priority for the city due to its proximity to downtown and blighted condition.
The project is being supported by up to $878,000 in RAP funding and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2,330,231. The addition of nine residential units near the downtown will provide a walkable, pedestrian-friendly experience for future residents.
“The City of Petoskey appreciates the commitment and vision of Silva Property Management as they have a proven track record of transformative community projects,” said City Manager Shane Horn. “The ongoing technical and financial support of MEDC in community revitalization projects allows these types of projects to occur. Our partners with MEDC have been instrumental in moving this revitalization project forward, we are excited to see the transformation of a blighted structure while providing much-needed workforce housing options.”
The City of Petoskey received certification as a Redevelopment Ready Community in August 2018; this development builds on the city’s progress in adding vibrancy for its community.
Redevelopment of underutilized property in Village of Spring Lake to add attainable housing, retail
Underutilized property in the main corridor of the Village of Spring Lake will be redeveloped to house a three-story, 35,663 sq.-ft. building featuring retail space, integrated parking on the lower level, and 41 residential units. The development will provide new attainable housing while also adding density and vibrancy to a formerly vacant corner – a longtime priority redevelopment site.
Known as Winsor Place, the project plays an integral role in the implementation of Spring Lake’s plan for their traditional downtown. The Village of Spring Lake achieved RRC Essentials status in August 2022.
The project is being supported by up to $1,500,000 in RAP grant funding and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $10,250,000, creating a destination for the entire community with planned public art to honor Winsor McCay, the cartoonist who attended the school that formerly occupied the site.
"Through support from the MEDC RAP grant, the Village was able ensure the Winsor Place development promoted the Village's Master Plan and met the needs of our community,” said Village Manager Brady Selner. “The Winsor Place project will transform a vacant lot in the Village's downtown into a vibrant mixed-use development. Adding density to our downtown will provide opportunities for people to live closer to work, enjoy nearby amenities, and contribute to Spring Lake's economic growth."
Underutilized property in Downtown Zeeland to house new mixed-use development, create 22 residential units
An underutilized property in Downtown Zeeland will be transformed into a new, 28,710-sq.-ft., mixed-use building, providing attainable housing and retail opportunities to the local community. The three-story building will include 9,404 sq. ft. of retail space and 22 residential units.
The project, which plays an integral role in the city’s plan for their traditional downtown, is being supported by up to $900,000 in RAP grant funds and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $6,965,225.
The new building is designed to anchor a prominent corner at the gateway to downtown Zeeland and establish a strong sense of place within the community.
“I’m pleased to see this state investment being made in our local community,” said state Representative Bradley Slagh (R-Zeeland). "Living and retail spaces will draw in revenue for local businesses and the community. I look forward to seeing the completed space and how it will help generate even more life into downtown Zeeland."
“We’re incredibly proud to work alongside the city of Zeeland and the MEDC to bring this vision to life,” said developer Scott Geerlings. “At Geerlings Development, it’s in our DNA to create projects that not only enhance the communities we serve but also contribute to their long-term success. This development represents our commitment to building spaces that support local businesses and create new opportunities for residents to thrive.”
*****************************
